Shillong, October 31 : Marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Meghalaya joined the rest of the nation in celebrating ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) with a vibrant ‘Sardar @ 150 Unity March’ in Shillong. The march symbolized India’s enduring unity and diversity, echoing the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
The event, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, was organized by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) in collaboration with the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, National Service Scheme (NSS), and National Cadet Corps (NCC), Meghalaya.
The Unity March was ceremonially flagged off from the State Central Library Campus by Rameswar Teli, Member of Rajya Sabha, and Sanbor Shullai, Minister of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya. The march culminated at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong, drawing participation from MY Bharat volunteers, NSS and NCC cadets, students, and officials from the District Administration.
Before the march, dignitaries offered floral tributes to Sardar Patel and took part in a felicitation ceremony that featured local cultural performances celebrating Meghalaya’s rich heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Rameswar Teli paid glowing tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, calling him “the Iron Man of India who united more than 560 princely states.” “Today, we celebrate not just Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary, but the spirit of unity, integrity, and nation-building that he embodied,” he said.
Drawing parallels between Patel’s vision and the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Teli said the country continues to move forward on the same path of unity and faith. He urged the youth to follow Sardar Patel’s ideals of discipline, courage, and service to the nation, concluding, “Study well, work hard, and make India proud — whether as scientists, doctors, engineers, civil servants, or leaders. That is how we take our country forward.”
In his address, Sanbor Shullai, Minister of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya, thanked the organizers and expressed gratitude to Rameswar Teli for gracing the event. He said the Unity March—organized with support from the District Administration, NCC, and NSS—was a fitting tribute to Sardar Patel’s legacy, reinforcing the idea that India’s strength lies in its unity. “The Iron Man of India gave us the conviction that this nation will forever remain united and indivisible,” he said. “Let us uphold Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and inspire the youth to nurture love, unity, brotherhood, and peace.”
Later, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Rameswar Teli interacted with participants, encouraging them to visit the 182-metre ‘Statue of Unity’ in Kevadia, Gujarat — India’s tallest statue — as a living tribute to Sardar Patel’s contribution to the nation. “Whenever you get the opportunity, visit Kevadia and witness India’s pride — the Statue of Unity. It stands as a testament to our nation’s strength and resolve,” he told the youth.
The program saw the participation of several senior officials, including Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, Richard Yanthan, IAS, Joint Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, D.D. Shira, MCS, Director, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Sh. Jangjilong, Regional Director, NSS West Bengal and Representative, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, M. Lyngdoh, State Secretary, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Col. Anil Jhakar, NCC Headquarters, S.P. Singh, MY Bharat, Gautam Warjri, MCS, ADC East Khasi Hills, Kamakhya Singh, S.P. Traffic, East Khasi Hills.
The successful organization of the Unity March 2025 highlighted Meghalaya’s commitment to the ideals of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, reaffirming that Sardar Patel’s vision of a united India continues to inspire generations.
